The term “estrogens” is used to refer to biologically active substances belonging to the group of female sex hormones. They participate in the regulation of vital processes taking place both in the female body and in the male. Estrogens are produced by the organs of the reproductive system and adrenal cortex. In women, production occurs in the ovaries. In men, the hormone estrogen is produced in much smaller quantities. Testicles are responsible for its production. In addition, estrogens can occur as a result of the conversion of the hormone testosterone under the influence of the aromatase enzyme. Substances that have a hormonal effect on the body also come from outside. Contains estrogen in food. Therefore, the regulation of its quantity is possible by changing the diet.
Estrogens in woman's life
The hormone estrogen is produced during the reproductive period of a woman's life. Moreover, this hormone affects not only the ability to have children. He is responsible for the normalization of the body as a whole. The figure of the girl thanks to this hormone begins to acquire femininity. The distribution of adipose tissue is precisely under the influence of estrogen. Also, this hormone is involved in the absorption of calcium and even affects the heart rate. All of these factors determine the importance of estrogen in a woman's life. Its insufficient production threatens with serious health problems. Therefore, during menopause, it is recommended to eat foods containing the female hormone estrogen.
The influence of estrogen on the body of a man
Despite the fact that the production of estrogen by the male body is normal, its overabundance causes health problems. The production of testosterone is inhibited. There is an increase in the mammary glands and the formation of body fat according to the female type. Sexual dysfunction occurs. Often the cause of this phenomenon is estrogen in foods consumed by a man in large quantities. However, absolutely no estrogen is impossible. Its presence in the body of a man is necessary to maintain the following functions:
- ensuring the normal activity of the nervous system;
- blood cholesterol regulation;
- involved in the construction of muscle tissue.
How to determine which products contain estrogen?
With age, the hormonal background of a person changes. Organism
begins to intermittently produce estrogen. Products of animal and vegetable origin contain substances that affect the level of this hormone. Changing the diet, you can adjust your hormonal background. Here are some examples of such products:
- Soya. This plant contains a large amount of estrogen. In products, which include soy (some meat, dairy and confectionery), there is also a lot of this hormone.
- Beer. The drink contains phytoestrogens.
- Leguminous plants (beans, beans, peas).